TSSA conference to debate rail cuts

Transport and travel union TSSA will hold its annual conference in Sheffield this weekend (7-10 May). The transport union, which is currently consulting Network Rail and train operator members over industrial action, will debate cuts to the railways, the cost-of-living crisis and the war in Ukraine, among other motions.

York Central MP, Rachael Maskell, will be the keynote speaker, opening the conference on Saturday lunchtime. Maskell led a Westminster Hall debate on the Future of Rail last month, served as Shadow Minister for Rail under Jeremy Corbyn, and her York constituency is steeped in railway industry past and present.

On Sunday morning, more than 100 delegates and visitors will hear an emergency motion on the cost-of-living crisis and TSSA’s demand for RPI pay increases for members. The motion calls for TSSA to coordinate any industrial action with that of other rail unions. Sunday’s guest speaker is Boilermakers union International President, Newton B. Jones, who leads the union that TSSA is in merger talks with.

Monday 9 May is dedicated to a separate day of events to celebrate TSSA’s 125^th anniversary.

TSSA General Secretary Manuel Cortes said: “TSSA has a proud history of campaigning on the issues that matter most to our members. Our annual conferences are where our members have their say and set our priorities for the year ahead.

“This is our 125th year, and my 11th as General Secretary. I’m looking forward to our conference delegates sending a strong message to employers and this Tory government that our members deserve a pay rise and job security in the face of the worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation.

“It’s fitting that we meet in Sheffield – the city where our union was first formed 125 years ago – for us to get together and plan our future.”

Notes

TSSA Annual Conference takes place from 12noon Saturday 7 May to 5pm Tuesday 10 May. Monday 9 May will be given over to a celebration of the 125th anniversary of TSSA’s founding.

Rachael Maskell will speak to conference during the first session of conference which runs from 12:00-13:30 on Saturday 7 May.

Live updates from conference will be published on TSSA’s website.